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Top Ways To Celebrate Star Wars In Connecticut

April 22, 2013 9:00 AM

(credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

May the fourth be with you! Yep, regardless of how cheesy it sounds, May 4 is actually Star Wars Day. A long time ago (May 25, 1977 to be exact) in a galaxy not so far away, George Lucas delivered to the world a new beginning and an epic brand was born. Who knew 36 years ago, the “Star Wars” name would be one of the most recognized titles in the history of film. The series has proven to be a sustainable giant and mega-moneymaker for its creator. From licensed products to spin-offs to conventions, “Star Wars” has become a magnet for science-fiction lovers and has helped make being a geek hip. Here are some ways you can celebrate Star Wars Day in Connecticut this year. May the force be with you.

So perhaps you are wondering why the Danbury Kids Expo is an event to be considered for Star Wars Day. How does a kid’s convention full of shows, activities, face paintings, interactive dances and rides fit into Star Wars Day? Trust me, the force is strong with this one. Enter the 501st Connecticut Garrison Conn Squad, “CT’s Definitive Imperial Costuming Organization.” Many members of the CTG will be making an appearance at the Danbury Kids Expo dressed as storm troopers, Darth Vader, Boba Fet, sand people and possibly even a few Jedi knights. It’s an opportunity to face the empire’s troops in a friendly, non-confrontational way, without needing your light saber.

The Connecticut Science Center has much to offer (Credit, Edward Main)

Geek is the new black. Since opening in 2009, the Connecticut Science Center has served more than a million visitors to the $165 million dollar Cesar Pelli-designed building along the Connecticut River in Hartford. One of the highlights to “Star Wars” lovers within the 40,000 square feet of exhibit space is the Exploring Space gallery. Prepare to defy gravity as you space walk your way across the Milky Way and beyond. Control a Mars flyover, examine and make your own moon craters, explore a black hole and see replicas of Connecticut-made space suits and rockets. The space gallery is just one of 10 galleries at the science center, which also houses a state-of-the-art 3D theater, gift shop, kids water-play area and café.

Bring out your inner Anakin with a walk down memory lane and nostalgic PEZ dispensers. Since 1997, 27 different “Star Wars” PEZ heads have been released and several are featured within the 4,000-square-foot visitor center. Take a look into the factory and see where the iconic candy is made and learn about the history of Pez through interactive displays and trivia. The world’s largest PEZ dispenser, hundreds of PEZ products, candy, memorabilia, including a PEZ space gun, dispensers and accessories await.

The first Saturday of May, which happens to fall on May 4, 2013, is a national celebration of comic books. Participating comic book stores across the country and in Connecticut give away a free comic book to anyone who enters the store. The creator of “Star Wars,” George Lucas, is said to have been inspired by the Flash Gordon comic books, so while that may not be the free comic book received, no doubt there will be some at every store.

What better way to storm the galaxy than with a fun game of laser tag against the dark side? Science fiction meets lights and lasers in a quintessential battle of skill. “You’re all clear, kid! Now let’s blow this thing and go home!”